Spiced Oatmeal

Some of the most wonderful things in the world are discovered by mistake. I made one the other day and loved the results, I have now made it a regular part of my morning.


When I lift in the morning I have a meal replacement shake and a small serving of cooked oatmeal (1/3 cup dry measure) before I go to the gym. That's a lot of carbs, some slow digesting (oatmeal) and some quick (the meal replacement drink). Combined with the protein it's what I need to fuel my body after a long night of fasting (sleeping).


I have my oatmeal cooked and weighed out already, so I just add a bit more water to loosen it up and then microwave it to warm it.


I get up at 4:00 a.m. though, so sometimes I am not quite awake as I do all this. I like to get my shake and oatmeal, and sit at the computer and check email, Facebook, make sure my blog fed properly, and eat and wake up.


Saturday I heated my oatmeal and started to sprinkle in the cinnamon (my sprinkles tend to be more like pours). As I looked at it I noticed that my cinnamon was a lot darker than usual. Damn! I used chili powder!


The containers look the same! I buy both spices in bulk because I use so much, but store them in small store bought spice containers for ease.


I took a spoon and managed to remove most of it, but didn't want to lose too much of the oatmeal so I figured once I added the real cinnamon and the sweetener it would be OK.


OK? It was fantastic! The sweetness and spiciness together are a match made in heaven! Have you ever had chocolate with chile? It's the same premise, the richness, spiciness and sweetness all combine to make a spectacular burst of flavors in your mouth.


Sunday, I am making the same thing! Give it a try, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Oats and Fruit

I am looking forward to changing my diet now that I am not preparing for a competition.  It's funny when I talk to people and tell them I am trying to add muscle, most believe that means you can "eat whatever you want, and as much of it as you want".

It really couldn't be further from the truth.

To gain lean muscle mass, and avoid gaining a great deal of fat, you still need to eat a clean diet of the same foods you eat during a competition prep, but just not as strict and a few more calories, but not much.

Above is the change I will make to my breakfast now. It is the same serving of steel cut oats and flax seed. I have added one thing though , on the left is cut up figs (still a few on my tree!) and on the right is currents.

Yup, that's it, I added some fruit. Fruit is typically removed from a competition diet as it is sugar, plain and simple. When you are trying to lose weight there are a few things you do, reduce caloric intake, and reduce saturated fats and sugars. 

One of the first things I ate after my competition was a banana and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I have also been hankering for some fruit on my oatmeal and now I get that too. 

I will strive to stay close to a very clean diet for the next few months, but will enjoy some meals out and meals with my family that I haven't been able to enjoy for the last couple months.